Cullen gives go-ahead for construction of Luas extension from Connolly Station to The Point, Dublin

Date: 21 December 2006

Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, T.D. today (Thursday 21 December 2006) has confirmed that he has approved the application by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) for a Railway Order in respect of the extension of the Luas Red line from its existing terminus at Connolly Station to The Point, Dublin.

The proposed 1.5km extension of the Luas to The Point (Line C1), will comprise a double track extension from the current terminus at Connolly Station. There will be four stops along the extended track route, which will run 'on street' - George's Dock, Mayor Square, Spencer Dock and The Point. The extension of the line is part of the Government's programme for transport - Transport 21.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to Mr James Connolly SC, for the professional and thorough manner in which he carried out the public inquiry process relating to this extension.

By 2016, employment in the area served by the Tallaght to Connolly Luas line is forecast to increase by almost 50% and the population is forecast to more than double, resulting in an increased demand for public transport. By then, this extension is expected to add over two million new Luas trips per annum and will remove over one million vehicle trips from the streets.

The scheduled completion date for this project is 2009.

Ends

Issued by: Michelle Hoctor 087 8563070

Veronica Scanlan 087 6430622